Prevalence and risk factors for hypertension among older Kentucky farmers

This study provides data on the prevalence of self-reported hypertension among actively working, male, Kentucky farmers, aged 55 years and older surveyed in the Kentucky Farm Family Health and Hazard Surveillance Study. In addition, we examined self-reported hypertension prevalence of Kentucky farmers in association with other comorbid chronic health conditions and with selected behavioral and anthropometric risk factors. A two-stage cluster design was used, with a random sample of 998 male Kentucky farmers, aged 55 years and older, selected for a 30-minute telephone interview (response rate = 71−). A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the magnitude of association between potential risk factors and hypertension. The overall hypertension prevalence among older Kentucky farmers was 38.1− (95− CI: 35.0-41.1). Compared to nonhypertensive older farmers, hypertensive older farmers were at increased risk for diabetes (OR = 3.1), stroke (OR = 2.7), arteriosclerosis (OR = 2.7), and heart attack (OR = 3.7). Logistic regression analysis identified increasing body mass index as a risk factor. The active lifestyle of working farmers may be a factor influencing the prevalence of hypertension in this population. Appropriate intervention efforts should be targeted toward this population with regard to weight reduction and moderate physical activity.